Mount Everest, rising 8,848m (29,028ft) above sea level reigns as the highest mountain on Earth. For decades summiting Everest has been considered one of the greatest mountaineering achievements. In the spring of each year, we embrace this intense challenge by taking a group of qualified climbers to Nepal to climb Mt. Everest via the South Col route.

The South Col was the first successfully climbed route on Mt. Everest as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay accomplished this feat in 1953. Since then, the South Col has seen over 400 ascents. It is by far, the most successfully climbed route on the mountain.

The Everest area, known locally as Sagarmatha National Park, is home to some of the world's highest peaks as well as the famous Sherpas, migrants from eastern Tibet who crossed over the Himalaya and settled here sometime in the late 1400s or early 1500s. This trek is one that goes deep into the heart of the Himalaya. "View of Mt Amadablam (6,812m) from Tengbouche". The mountain views are stunning, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Sherpa community is heartwarming.

You will get to take in the awe-inspiring views of Mt. Everest, the tallest of them all, Mt Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Lobouche Peak, Mt Amadablam, Kasum Kangru peak, Thamserku peak and Kwangde peak. You will also be visiting Sherpa villages and monasteries to gain insight into their culture and lifestyle from up close. This classical trek into the Solu-Khumbu region begins with a spectacular mountain flight to Lukla & continually trekking along the Dudh Kosi ("Milk River").

After crossing the Namche Bazzar"Sherpa headquater/Capital" we will continue on to Gokyo Ri (5,360m), with its beautiful natural beauty of Himalayas & better introduction of local sherpa cultures "Gokyo Lake 4,750m". Our short cut over the Cho La pass (5,368m) offer a real mountain experience before we head to Gorekshep, and the nearby Kala Patther (5,555m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m).

Now you will have the option of a sunset or sunrise trek to the 18,188' summit of Kala Pattar for a panoramic view of some of the world's highest mountains including Everest at 29,035'. We'll make the 3-hour trek on to Everest Base Camp where, depending on season, you'll see mountaineering expeditions preparing for their ascent to the highest peak in the world, beginning with the spectacular Khumbu Icefall. Enjoy the holidays in the Khumbu.

• Explore the ancient & fascination city of Kathmandu
• Our experienced sharpa guide ensures you enjoy the high quality adventures
• Take a flight to Lukla & view numerous Himalayan Giants on the way
• Trek through the Khumbu valley & Gokyo valleys.
• Climb Kala Patther 5,555m, view point of Everest Base Camp & Gokyo Ri (5,360m) view point of Cho-Oyu.
• Learn about the Sherpa Culture with our friendly staff & local peoples

Gokyo valley and Everest Base camp trek is an appropriate goal for bushwalkers and hikers or day-walkers looking for an extra challenge. This is a chance to get amongst the Himalayas in relative comfort of simple lodges.

Fitness

The trekking days are not long, as your body needs time to acclimatise and after all, you are on holiday. You will need to be able to walk for 4-8 hours a day with a daypack.

We are generally early abed but you might want to hang around and chat with your fellow trekkers, staff or local people or play a game of cards. Rest days normally involve a part-day hike to a place of interest or viewpoint as well as some relaxation time.

Depending on your general level of fitness you may benefit from a training regime in the lead up to the trek.

Experience

This expedition introduces you to high altitude trekking. A spirit of adventure and a willingness to stretch your horizons are what you'll need. Some experience of hiking will be an advantage.

Our style

On this Gokyo valley and Everest Base camp trek, your trek leader will be a qualified Nepalese trek guide. They are there to ensure your trek is a wonderful, fun and safe experience.

Your accomplished and friendly trip guide will help you to enjoy and appreciate the cultural, and natural attractions of the region. They will assist with daily arrangements as you eat in and stay in the tents. The package uses a steady acclimatisation program and allows time for bad weather along the way, giving participants the maximum chance of success.

The trek will be well planned, well led, and well resourced with good quality food, transport, equipment, first aid and communications.

In Kathmandu: We will be staying at the Shanker Hotel (4 star). This charming historic palace has a huge peaceful garden with a pool and is just on the edge of the main tourist area, Thamel.

It is safe and clean and well staffed, and is a safe place to leave your clean town clothes and other gear when you are in the hills. There are many restaurants in Kathmandu catering to western tastes as well as plenty of local Dahl Bhat (rice and lentils) shops at very reasonable prices.

On the Trek: Generally along the regular trekking areas have developed well facilities available teahouse lodges. Which are mainly used by trekkers walk along the trail, however some are very cozy and comfortable and some are basic standard. Arun Treks will accommodate you as best available lodges enroute along the journey and your lodge room will be provided bed, pillow blanket. If you are using your own personal sleeping bag is always recommended to bring with you.

Foods at local teahouses are hygienic and usually delicious which are prepared by using local agro-products. They offer a variety foods, for breakfast, Toast, different styles of eggs, pancake, porridge, Muesli with milk, and other creels, For lunch and dinner, variety of potato, different curries, rice, noodles and pasta, pizza, spring roll, Nepali food and others food, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. They also use some from market which are not possible to grow up there and produce locally.

Autumn season (Sept-Nov) being the best season for trekking, offers excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views, and also best season for peak climbing.

Summer months (June-September) of the year which coincides with monsoon begins in mid-June and drains in mid-September making travel wet and warm. The mountain views may not be at their best as rain clouds and haze over hang the mountains occasionally obscuring the enchanting views. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation.

Spring season (March-May) is the expedition season and the best time for climbing the high peaks. It is mildly warm at lower elevations but occasional haze mars beautiful view of mountains. At higher elevations over 4,000 meters the mountain views are excellent and the temperature is quite moderate even at night.

Winter season (December-February) is noted for cold weather with occasional snowfall at higher elevations. Again, excellent views are common. These months are popular and ideal for trekking for those who are well equipped or who remain at lower elevations below 3,000 meters. Most of the hotel owners will come to the lower altitude cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Although Travel in Nepal can be organized throughout the year, October through May is considered to be the best months for trekking.

The unit of the Nepalese Currency is Rupee. One Nepali Rupee is made up of 100 paisa. Nepali Rupee notes come in Rs. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 25, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Coins come in paisa 5,10,25,50 Rs. 1, 2, 5 denominations. Paisa coins are not currently used for common transactions.

Foreign currency, and traveler cheques, can easily be exchanged at banks or authorized agents. In Kathmandu banks have money exchange counters, which are quick and convenient.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted at all major Hotels, Travel Agencies, Restaurants and Stores. Only the first two though, are currently accepted at banks for money advances. As from august 2000 ATM services are available in Kathmandu.

In the cities, and specially while trekking, change for Rs500 and Rs1000 bills is not easily available.

Banks are open between 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursdays and between 1 0:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays. Closed on Saturdays and national holidays. Some Banks in Thamel, Kathmandu are open till late.

We recommend cancellation insurance to protect your investment. We require participants to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, Chopper evacuation and repatriation. Please ensure that your chosen policy provides cover for the activities (trekking and mountaineering with ropes and guides) and in the localities in which you will travel (Nepal, to elevations up to 5550m/18208ft above sea level).

You may already have your own policy but if not you will need to put something in place. Your nationality will determine what options are available to you to cover this trip. For example the British and New Zealand Mountaineering Clubs provide cover for locals; Australians can look into Insure for less with the appropriate extensions to the standard policy. Whatever policy you take out, you must ensure that is covers the activities you will undertake on this trip.

• Conservation/national park fees and all govt. taxes
• All required trekking permits
• 4 (four) nights 3*** hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis
• Round trip domestic airfares to (KTM- Lukla –KTM) and domestic airport tax
• All airport/hotel/airport transfer
• An Experience Trek Guide
• Support Sherpa staffs
• Require number of porters
• ARUN Sleeping bag & Down jacket available on rent
• All meals quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
• All hot drinks and beverages (boiled water, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, juice)
• Complete first aid kits.
• Insurance of all local team members
• Equipment for porters
• Half day world heritage sites tour with Guide & private transport
• Cultural celebration meal after trek (Nepalese finest cuisine).

• Medical/personal high risk insurance,
• International departure tax
• Personal trek gears
• Major meals in Kathmandu
• Personal natures expenses.
• Tips to the local staffs

Most of our adventures in the Himalaya take us to remote regions of high altitude. We always take our time to acclimatize properly and we allow for additional rest days. While most people may experience minor ill effects from high altitudes, there are some who have persistent symptoms, which require return to a lower altitude or emergency evacuation. Adjusting to a new diet can also take some time.

All clients are required to have travel insurance covering emergency rescue, usually by helicopter. We must stress that this kind of evacuation occurs in a life or death situation only. Rest and/or descent to a lower altitude are the best remedies for most illnesses experienced out on the trail. Circumstances differ, and the head guide with regard to treatment and itinerary will evaluate each situation. Considering the ill person condition, if helicopter evacuation required then just co ordinate with your guide, he can talk to us, we will arrange the fastest evacuation system immediately. We will work with you to accommodate your needs and requests to the best of our ability. There are small, limited health clinics in some areas, hours of operation dependent upon the season. Additional costs incurred in cases of illness are not the responsibility of mine or will be charged as extra cost.